23 Jan 2023 | 02:35 PM UTC
North Macedonia: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least Jan. 24
Heavy rainfall and mountain snow forecast across North Macedonia through Jan. 24. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.
Event
Severe weather is forecast across much of North Macedonia through at least Jan. 24. North Macedonia's Hydrometeorological Service has issued a weather warning for heavy rainfall across much of the country Jan. 23 through early Jan. 24, with rainfall totals of 3 cm (1.2 inches) possible. Snowfall is expected in elevated areas and possibly at lower elevations in western regions.
As of Jan. 23, the following weather warnings have been issued across the country:
Orange heavy rainfall warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale): Pelagonia, Skopje, Southeastern, and Southwestern regions
Orange snowfall warnings: Polog Region
Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Polog and Vardar regions
Yellow snowfall warnings: Southwestern Region
Yellow strong wind warnings: Eastern, Northeastern, Skopje Southeastern, and Vardar regions
Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.
Hazardous Conditions
Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water and in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.
Precipitation could fall as snow in higher elevations over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.
The disruptive weather will likely cause some delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.
Disruptions triggered by inclement weather and resultant hazards, such as flooding or avalanches, could persist well after conditions have improved - it could take days before any floodwaters recede and/or officials clear debris. If there is severe damage to infrastructure, repair or reconstruction efforts may result in residual disruptions.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather-related updates and advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business arrangements before traveling in the affected area. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast; plan for possible supply chain disruptions throughout the affected areas. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
